Abstract: The invention relates to a module for the diagnosis of a single photovoltaic panel, which comprises a first connection for input wiring coming from a photovoltaic solar panel, a second connection for output wiring through which at least the energy from the photovoltaic panel exits, a measurement means for measuring the voltage and current coming from the photovoltaic solar panel, through input wiring coming from a photovoltaic panel, a control logic and communication means. Thanks to this module associated with each of the panels, it is possible to avoid manual supervision of each and every one of the panels, to eliminate the impossibility of detecting malfunctioning or operation outside the maximum power point of the panels, to overcome the difficulty in evacuating the direct current and to avoid production and efficiency losses of the photovoltaic solar installations.

Abstract: Embodiments of this application disclose a fault point position determining method and apparatus and a photovoltaic system, to correctly and efficiently determine a fault point position when a disconnection fault occurs in a photovoltaic system. The method is applied to a photovoltaic system, the photovoltaic system includes at least one inverter and at least one photovoltaic unit, each photovoltaic unit includes at least one photovoltaic module and one photovoltaic module controller, and the method includes: sending, by an inverter, a first test signal to the at least one photovoltaic unit; obtaining, by the inverter, first test signal characteristic information fed back by the at least one photovoltaic unit; and performing, by the inverter, absolute value or relative value sorting on the at least one piece of first test signal characteristic information, and determining a fault point in the photovoltaic system based on a sorting result.

Abstract: A fault identification may be triggered by a component of a power generation system (PGS), such as a hardware component, a controller of a hardware component, a device of the PGS, a computer connected to the PGS, a computer configured to monitor the PGS, and/or the like. The fault identification may be the result of a failure of a component of the PGS, a future failure of a component of the PGS, a routine maintenance of the PGS, and/or the like. The fault is converted to a notification on a user interface using a mapping of faults, root-causes, notification rules, and/or the like. The conversion may use one or more lookup tables and/or formulas for determining the impact of the fault on the PGS, and/or the like.

Abstract: The performance of photosensitive devices over time may be tested by configuring a photosensitive device test system that includes a light source plate that exposes photosensitive devices within a container to a specified light intensity. The light intensity may be adjusted by a programmable power source according to one or more thresholds. A test may last for a set duration with performance measurements being taken at predetermined intervals throughout the duration. Feedback from the photosensitive device test system may be recorded to determine whether to increase light intensity, to stop testing, to continue testing, and whether one or more environmental conditions should be altered. Measurements may be sent to a client for analysis and display to a user.

Abstract: An apparatus provides homeowner selectable full or partial back-up power of a residential photovoltaic system to power critical loads during a utility power outage. A single split-bus electrical panel with a first panel section supplies utility power to non-critical loads and a second panel section supplies photovoltaic power to critical loads. A mechanical interlock in contact with interlocked circuit breakers of the first panel, prevents them from both being simultaneously on. A patch panel associated with the split-bus electrical panel enables an installer to selectively connect factory installed connections to either: connect the second panel section to utility power via a microgrid interconnection device when the second panel section is at least partially powered by back-up photovoltaic power, or connect the first panel section through one of the interlocked circuit breakers to utility power via the microgrid interconnection device to provide both panel sections with full back-up photovoltaic power.

Abstract: An anomaly detection device includes: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to: cluster a plurality of power storage systems into a plurality of clusters; generate a detection model for detecting an anomaly in the power storage systems for each of the clusters; and detect an anomaly in the power storage system for each of the clusters by using the detection model associated with the cluster.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for monitoring of an electrical energy source features one measuring circuit for each pole of the energy source, which is designed to connect the particular pole via a voltage divider to the reference potential. An evaluating device is provided to detect a particular voltage value at the particular voltage divider and based on the detected voltage values, determines a source voltage datum for the source voltage of the energy source. For at least one of the measuring circuits the total electrical resistance is dependent on a switch state of a particular switching element, and the evaluation device is designed, by switching of the particular switching element, to adjust at least two different switching constellations of the measuring circuits, and based on the voltage values detected for the switching constellations, determines overall resistance data for isolation resistances of the energy source.

Abstract: One example includes a test illumination system comprising a light source and a location controller configured to generate location data associated with a real-time location of the test illumination system. The test illumination system can be configured to move relative to a solar panel array in response to a solar testing protocol to provide illumination from the light source at a defined illumination time to each solar panel of the solar panel array in a sequence to provide a voltage amplitude. The system also includes a solar panel testing controller configured to correlate the location data of the test illumination system, the defined illumination time, and the voltage amplitude for each solar panel of the solar panel array in the sequence to determine an efficacy of each solar panel of the solar panel array.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate high-sensitivity, carrier-resolved photo-Hall effect measurements. Majority and minority carrier properties can be measured and determined simultaneously. In one aspect, a system and method determine majority carrier type, density and mobility and, with modulated illumination, minority carrier mobility and photocarrier density. In another aspect, a system and method can determine hole and electron mobility, photocarrier density, absorbed photon density, recombination lifetime and diffusion length for hole, electron and ambipolar transport.

Abstract: An IV curve scan method for a photovoltaic module and an optimizer are provided. The optimizer receives an IV curve scan signal and controls an output voltage of the photovoltaic module corresponding to the IV curve scan signal to change from an open-circuit voltage to a preset minimum voltage according to a preset rule, while photovoltaic module connected to another optimizer can still operate normally, so that the system can operate normally. Then the optimizer uploads IV curve data of the photovoltaic module corresponding to the IV curve scan signal, to complete an IV curve scan on a single photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A defect number determination unit determines whether or not a solar cell string is defective in a plurality of positions on the basis of whether or not a combined impedance found from impedances in the case where an inspection signal is applied to a P terminal and an N terminal of the solar cell string deviates from a reference impedance by greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to suppress deterioration of a single cell in a power supply device that uses a solar cell module including a plurality of single cells so as to extend the performance retention time of the solar cell module.

Abstract: A bypass diode with a disconnection fault is identified. A test device includes: a signal introduction circuit that applies a disconnection position identification signal to between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a solar battery string; and a fault calculating part that identifies the bypass diode with a disconnection fault on the basis of an AC component of a voltage between a frame ground and the positive electrode or an AC component of a voltage between the frame ground and the negative electrode when the disconnection position identification signal is applied.

Abstract: The invention refers to a solar testing device (11) for testing a solar module (6). The solar testing device (11) comprises a test area (12) for the solar module (6) to be tested, a light emitting area (16) comprising an array of LED-modules (17, 17A) arranged opposite to the test area (12) and arranged in a pitch (P) to each other. Further the solar testing device (11) comprises sidewall mirrors (21) extending in the direction from the light emitting area (16) to the test area (12). Guides (26) are provided having each an abutting surface (27) for supporting the solar module (6) whereby the abutting surfaces (27) of the guides (26) lie in the plane (A) of the test area (12).

Abstract: It is described a method and related system for transferring electric energy from an electric energy source to a load to be electrically supplied. The method and related system allow to store electric energy from an electric energy source and supply a load using at least one capacitor and at least one rechargeable battery in which, during the step of charging, the method, related to the availability of the electric supply, can choose to charge sequentially or simultaneously said at least one capacitor and said at least one rechargeable battery. During the step of discharging, the method supplies the load using sequentially electric energy stored in said at least one capacitor and after that in said at least one rechargeable battery.

Abstract: Methods and systems for spectrometer dark correction are described which achieve more stable baselines, especially towards the edges where intensity correction magnifies any non-zero results of dark subtraction, and changes in dark current due to changes in temperature of the camera window frame are typically more pronounced. The resulting induced curvature of the baseline makes quantitation difficult in these regions. Use of the invention may provide metrics for the identification of system failure states such as loss of camera vacuum seal, drift in the temperature stabilization, and light leaks. In system aspects of the invention, a processor receives signals from a light detector in the spectrometer and executes software programs to calculate spectral responses, sum or average results, and perform other operations necessary to carry out the disclosed methods. In most preferred embodiments, the light signals received from a sample are used for Raman analysis.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a solar cell module includes an analysis of measuring frequency characteristics including a resonance point of impedance between two poles of a solar cell module, and frequency characteristics including a resonance point of impedance between an output cable and a frame, and determining equivalent circuit constants of the solar cell module, and a determination of comparing the equivalent circuit constants determined in the analysis with equivalent circuit constants obtained previously to determine change in condition of the solar cell module.

Abstract: A system for testing solar cells includes a probe plate portion, a first voltage probe tip, a first current probe tip, at least one second voltage probe tip, at least one second current probe tip, and means for vertical actuation of the first voltage probe tip to contact the solar cell underside and vertical actuation of the at least one second voltage probe tip and at least one second current probe tip to contact a solar cell top surface. The probe plate portion includes a conductive top surface configured for contact with a solar cell underside and the first current probe tip, a first and a second series of vacuum ports disposed on the conductive top surface, and a coolant channel. The second series of vacuum ports covers a larger area of the conductive top surface than the area covered by the first series of vacuum ports.

Abstract: A photovoltaic inverter system and a method, and a PID effect compensation device for the photovoltaic inverter system are provided. A processing control unit records operation conditions of photovoltaic modules, determines whether a PID effect compensation condition is met, calculates a compensation voltage optimally and controls the integrated PID compensation device to perform PID effect compensation on the photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: An insulation detecting circuit includes a first switching unit, a second switching unit, a detecting resistor, a processing unit, and a voltage detecting unit. The second switching unit is electrically coupled to the first switching unit. The processing unit is configured to control the first and the second switching units. The voltage detecting unit obtains a first voltage value across the detecting resistor when the processing unit controls the first switching unit to be on and the second switching unit to be off. The voltage detecting unit obtains a second voltage value across the detecting resistor when the processing unit controls the first switching unit to be off and the second switching unit to be on. The processing unit operates in a first mode and configured to calculate an insulation impedance value of a power converting device according to the first and the second voltage values.

Abstract: Methods of testing a semiconductor, and semiconductor testing apparatus, are described. In an example, a method for testing a semiconductor can include applying light on the semiconductor to induce photonic degradation. The method can also include receiving a photoluminescence measurement induced from the applied light from the semiconductor and monitoring the photonic degradation of the semiconductor from the photoluminescence measurement.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for identifying or determining spatially resolved properties in indirect bandgap semiconductor devices such as solar cells are described. In one embodiment, spatially resolved properties of an indirect bandgap semiconductor device are determined by externally exciting the indirect bandgap semiconductor device to cause the indirect bandgap semiconductor device to emit luminescence (110), capturing images of luminescence emitted from the indirect bandgap semiconductor device in response to the external excitation (120), and determining spatially resolved properties of the indirect bandgap semiconductor device based on a comparison of relative intensities of regions in one or more of the luminescence images (130).

Abstract: A measurement system having a light source, a holding device, and a measurement device. The light source includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to generate light beams with different wavelengths, and the emission spectrum of the light source complies with a predetermined standard. The holding device is configured to hold an object under test. The measurement device is configured to measure the electrical properties of the object under test after the object under test is illuminated by the light source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe an apparatus including an oscillator, a ramp generator, and an inverter. The oscillator is configured to generate a waveform comprising a low time and a high time. The inverter is configured to receive the waveform generated by the oscillator, and invert the waveform. The ramp generator is configured to increase a gate control voltage of a transistor connected to a solar cell, and rapidly decrease the gate control voltage of the transistor. During the low time, a measurement of a current and a voltage of the solar cell is performed. During the high time, a measurement of a current of a shorted cell and a voltage reference is performed.

Abstract: One aspect of the inventive technology disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, may involve the determination of at least one measured, instantaneous intra-string current difference for each of the power generating string, and the use of such determinations to assess the existence of leakage current, a frequent ground fault predecessor, thereby enabling preclusion of a ground fault that would otherwise result. Certain methods and detection architecture may enable precise abnormality location, e.g., enabling the identification of which solar module assembly in particular is faulty. Another aspect relates generally, in certain embodiments, to detection circuit architecture operable to sequentially impress a leakage current inducing voltage upon each rail of a photovoltaic system. Another relates generally, in certain embodiments, to the use of at least one current interrupter at each end of a string to preclude flow therethrough in the event of e.g., unintended field reversal.

Abstract: Method of diagnosis for a photovoltaic generator characterized in that it implements a step of observing the evolution of its voltage when it passes from a short-circuit mode of operation to an open-circuit mode or vice versa.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and system for determining a short-circuit current of a solar device before the solar device is tested in a solar simulator. A solar device includes a substrate layer, a front contact layer, a window/emitter layer, an absorber layer and a back contact. A thickness of the window/emitter layer and an absorption wavelength of the absorber layer are determined. The window/emitter layer thickness and absorber layer absorption wavelength are used with a fitting parameter that corresponds to transmission properties of the substrate and first contact layers in order to determine the solar device's short-circuit current.

Abstract: Photovoltaic device comprising a photovoltaic generator comprising a number of photovoltaic cells, characterized in that it comprises at least one switch with a control device comprising a control capacitor (Ccde) and a control resistor (Rcde), linked to the switch so as to slow down the control of the opening of the switch, to allow at least one cell of the photovoltaic generator to switch from a short-circuit operating mode to an open-circuit mode, or vice versa.

Abstract: A method of providing a plurality of classified photovoltaic articles, including the steps of providing a first photovoltaic element that includes a plurality of photovoltaic articles on a continuous flexible substrate, forming a electrically insulating material on the first photovoltaic element at one or more predetermined locations, separating adjacent photovoltaic articles from each other, determining an efficiency of each photovoltaic article by measuring its current-voltage characteristics, and classifying each photovoltaic article according to its efficiency.

Abstract: A PV system includes an irradiance meter to measure solar irradiance received by a PV array in the system. A PV inverter is electrically connected to the PV array via a DC link to regulate the voltage of the PV array. A controller receives an input from the irradiance meter regarding the solar irradiance received by the PV array, causes the PV inverter to alter the operating voltage of the PV array to each of a plurality of voltage values, detects current values in the PV array responsive to the altering of the voltage to each of the voltage values, and generates a power performance curve for the PV array based on the voltage values at which the PV array is operated and the detected current values, with the power performance curve being generated at a known level of solar irradiance based on the input from the irradiance meter.

Abstract: Methods and structures for extracting at least one electric parametric value from a back contact solar cell having dual level metallization are provided.

Abstract: Photo-field-effect transistor devices and associated methods are disclosed in which a photogate, consisting of a quantum dot sensitizing layer, transfers photoelectrons to a semiconductor channel across a charge-separating (type-II) heterointerface, producing a sustained primary and secondary flow of carriers between source and drain electrodes. The light-absorbing photogate thus modulates the flow of current along the channel, forming a photo-field effect transistor.

Abstract: The invention is related to a photovoltaic element evaluation method, comprising a time-controlled measurement of a current-voltage characteristic of a photovoltaic element, said photovoltaic element being arranged in a measuring circuit for measuring at least an electrical current and/or an electrical voltage of said current-voltage characteristic. The invention relates furthermore to a measuring system configuration for performing time-controlled measurements of current-voltage characteristics of replaceable photovoltaic elements.

Abstract: A diagnostic device (40) having layers (25, 27, 29) corresponding to respective layers (24, 26, 28) of a given photovoltaic module (20). The diagnostic device is provided for testing and monitoring a condition of the given photovoltaic module. The layers of the diagnostic device may be made of respective materials with the same or substantially the same electrical resistance and aging characteristics as the respective layers of the given photovoltaic module under operational conditions. Electrodes (42, 44, 50A-C, 52A-C, 54A-C) of the diagnostic device are configured to independently measure electrical resistance along at least two different current resistance paths in the diagnostic device corresponding to respectively different current leakage paths (R1, R?1, R2-4, R5, R5) of the given photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A method of quantum efficiency (QE) photovoltaic measurement is provided that includes coupling measurement electronics to a p-n junction of a Cell Under Test (CUT) that are capable of measuring a pulsed DC photocurrent. The measurement electronics output a response by the CUT to turning on and turning off the pulsed DC photocurrent that are digitized and analyzed for the magnitude that is representative of a conversion efficiency of the CUT to a wavelength of the DC photocurrent, where a measured decay time represents the p-n junction or the minority carrier lifetime. The CUT is exposed to the pulsed DC photocurrent, where signatures of the response to turning off and on to the pulsed DC photocurrent overlap, where a combined amplitude of the response is proportional to an efficiency of a production of photocarriers, where a value of a spectral response at a wavelength is determined.

Abstract: A method of detecting a discontinuity in: a solar array (10) comprising: locating a detecting device (200) in one or more working positions (56) along the solar array: inducing a signal (80) by applying a plurality of flashes of light to a solar module in the solar array: measuring (64) the signal at two different locations along the solar array; comparing the signals measured at two different locations to each other, and outputting (62) a result of the comparing step.

Abstract: A method for testing a photovoltaic (PV) module having an integrated power converter includes: obtaining a reference output signature of a PV module design in response to a flash pattern; applying the flash pattern to a PV module under test; acquiring an observed output signature of the PV module under test in response to the flash pattern; and comparing the observed output signature of the PV module under test to the reference output signature. Second reference output and observed output signatures may be obtained in response to a second flash pattern. The output signatures may be combined using various techniques. One or more parameters of the integrated power converter may be preset to one or more predetermined states prior to applying a flash pattern.

Abstract: An automated method to monitor performance of a terrestrial solar cell array tracking the sun. The solar cell system includes drive means that adjust a position of the array along different respective axes with respect to the sun using the drive means. The techniques include predicting the position of the sun during a time period, and sampling an output parameter of the array indicative of performance. The sampled data may be used to identify a fault in the solar cell array, for example a misalignment or a failure of one or more solar cells, in which case a notification of that fault may be generated for the operator or a control signal may be output for correcting the fault. Alternatively, an output signal may be sent to an external system associated with the solar cell system. Various alignment testing routines for checking the solar tracking are described.

Abstract: A measurement instrument capable of electrically isolating the connected photovoltaic (“PV”) module in an array of PV modules to perform a health diagnosis including of current versus voltage measurements on the attached device by using a resistive load to acquire the current-voltage (“IV”) curve in the positive power quadrant of the module. The instrument is capable of switching a charge storage element into the array during the period when the solar module is under test to provide uninterrupted electrical power to the PV array. The measurement instrument contains a battery and charger allowing the device to run from the connected PV module's energy. The instrument contains a microprocessor to allow a high degree of configuration through software, including altering the speed of an IV sweep, the interval between sweeps, and integrating temperature and tilt measurements. The instrument is equipped with low power radio devices to communicate wirelessly, further negating the need for a common ground.

Abstract: A solar energy generation system a measurement module and a positioning method are disclosed herein. The positioning method is adaptable to a power generation system having AC generation modules. Each of the AC generation modules generates an output current and is electrically connected to each other in a power-supply network. The positioning method includes the following operations: (a) measuring AC currents or node voltages generated by the AC generation modules at different positions in the power-supply network to obtain current parameters or voltage parameters; and (b) determining a sequence of relative positions of the AC generation modules by calculating the current parameters or the voltage parameters.

Abstract: A photo device inspection apparatus is an apparatus for inspecting a solar cell panel, which is a photo device. The photo device inspection apparatus includes an irradiation part configured to irradiate the solar cell panel with pulsed light radiated from a femtosecond laser, which is a light source, an electromagnetic wave detection part configured to detect a pulse of an electromagnetic wave radiated from the solar cell panel in response to irradiation with the pulsed light, and a current detection part configured to detect a current generated by the solar cell panel in response to irradiation with the pulsed light.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for signaling partial shadowing within a PV generator including at least two partial PV generators connected in parallel. The method includes performing a reference impedance measurement on each of the at least two partial PV generators in a state of uniform irradiation of the PV generator, and determining at least one reference resonant property of each of the at least two partial PV generators from the reference impedance measurement. Furthermore, impedance measurements are carried out on the at least two partial PV generators at a first operating point of the PV generator during operation of the PV generator. Resonant properties of the partial PV generators are determined from the impedance measurements. Partial shadowing within the PV generator is detected and signaled if a difference between the resonant properties of the partial PV generators at the first operating point differs from a difference between the reference resonant properties of the partial PV generators.

Abstract: An embodiment method of diagnosing a power source arrangement includes a plurality of n power sources connected in series between output terminals, wherein n?2. At least two different groups of power sources are selected from the power source arrangement. A voltage of each of the at least two different groups is measured between the output terminals. During the measurement of the voltage of one group, the power sources of the power source arrangement that do not belong to the one group are bypassed. The at least two measured voltages obtained through measuring the voltage of each of the at least two different groups or at least two voltages that are dependent on these at least two measured voltages are compared.

Abstract: Methods for fast and accurate mapping of passivation defects in a silicon wafer involve capturing of photoluminescence (PL) images while the wafer is moving, for instance, when the wafer is transported on a belt in a fabrication line. The methods can be applied to in-line diagnostics of silicon wafers in solar cell fabrication. Example embodiments include a procedure for obtaining the whole wafer images of passivation defects from a single image (map) of photoluminescence intensity, and can provide rapid feedback for process control.

Abstract: A solar cell module efficacy monitoring system includes a reference module which includes a solar power generation module and is to be maintained in a clean condition, an evaluation module which includes a solar power generation module and is to be covered by dust in an environment, maximum power point tracking devices which track powers of the reference module and the evaluation module and maintain power outputs at maximum points by connected to the reference module and the evaluation module, respectively, and, a PV communication recording device which records power generation results of the reference module and the evaluation module by connected to the reference module and the evaluation module, and a calculation display device which calculates power loss due to accumulation of dust on the evaluation module by connected to the PV communication recording device.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system comprises a photovoltaic module having a photovoltaics for generating power by utilizing solar light, a bypass diode connected in parallel with the photovoltaics, and a detection unit for detecting an open-mode failure of the bypass diode. A failure detection method comprises a detection step of detecting an open-mode failure of a bypass diode connected in parallel with a photovoltaics for generating power by utilizing solar light, the detection step detecting the open-mode failure of the bypass diode when a predetermined reverse voltage value is applied to the photovoltaics, the predetermined reverse voltage value being a voltage drop value greater than that of the photovoltaics occurring when a current having a maximum current value flows through the bypass diode.

Abstract: To provide an I-V characteristic measuring apparatus that can, even though a solar simulator of a flash light type is used, accurately measure a true I-V characteristic of a solar cell that exhibits a different I-V characteristic depending on a sweep direction when a sweep time of applied voltage is short, an internal division ratio calculation part that, at each voltage value, calculates an internal division ratio at which a current value of a dark state stationary I-V characteristic internally divides a gap between a current value of a dark state forward I-V characteristic and a current value of a dark state reverse I-V characteristic; and a light state stationary I-V characteristic estimation and calculation part that, on the basis of the internal division ratio, a light state forward I-V characteristic, and a light state reverse I-V characteristic, estimates and calculates a light state stationary I-V characteristic are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bar for the electrical contacting of an electrically conductive substrate in the form of a thin, electrically conducting and resilient contact. The bar comprises a current-collecting bar on which a plurality of contact fingers is fitted. The invention is distinguished by the contact fingers being configured resiliently in the direction of the contact to be produced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measurement of radiation intensity for testing reliability of a solar cell, and a method for testing the reliability of the solar cell. The apparatus includes a first solar cell receiving a predetermined intensity of radiation or more to generate electricity, a second solar cell receiving a predetermined intensity of radiation or more to generate electricity; a temperature sensor sensing a temperature of the second solar cell; a cooler cooling the first solar cell; and a controller measuring the intensity of radiation applied to the first solar cell, and controlling the cooler to prevent the temperature of the first solar cell from increasing above a predetermined temperature depending on the temperature of the second solar cell sensed by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting the ability of anti PID effect of a solar cell are disclosed according to embodiments of the invention. The device includes a static generator including a high voltage power supply and an ion stick connected to the high voltage power supply; and a metal tray under the ion stick. It is judged whether the solar cell has the ability of anti PID effect by detecting the solar cell directly by the device, so for determining whether the solar cell has the ability of anti PID effect, there is no need for a solar cell assembly manufactured by the solar cell.